WHY VOTE FOR THE
EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY?
WE NEED TO LEARN
TO BE PROUD OF
EUROPE AGAIN, FOR
EUROPE HAS PROVEN
TO THE WORLD THAT
EUROPEANS ARE
CAPABLE OF GREAT
THINGS WHEN THEY
ARE UNITED.
HERE ARE OUR
COMMITMENTS
02 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
WHERE DO
WE COME
FROM, AND
WHERE ARE
WE GOING?
OUR COMMITMENT
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP believes that the
euro is a reliable currency
that assures political
stability and makes
us more competitive
internationally.
EPP will reform financial
markets so that all banks
in the EU follow the same
rules, and, globally, will
seek a better regulatory
framework for financial
markets.
EPP MANIFESTO / 22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS I
The European People’s Party is the
political family that has shaped
Europe. Members of our political
family have been the founding
fathers of this great unifying
project, contributing to the fall
of Communism and welcoming
new countries. Over time, the EPP
has become Europe’s largest
political family, uniting parties
of the centre-right across the
continent.
We believe that the European
Union can solve the economic
crisis that has affected all levels
of society. The European Union
is the solution to the crisis, not
the cause. We want the European
economy to create new growth
and jobs. Young people – like
all European citizens - must be
able to look to their future with
confidence again. We want to live
in freedom and dignity. We do
not want to incur debt, which our
children will be forced to pay back.
Today, and every day, we work
to lead Europe out of the crisis.
In 2009 and 2010, EPP-led
governments reacted quickly
and decisively, pulling Europe
back from the brink of disaster.
03
In 2011 and 2012, we kept the
Euro area together and laid the
foundation for recovery. Now we are
setting the agenda for economic
reform, growth-friendly budget
consolidation and job creation
in the Member States.
Finding solutions to crises means
making tough choices. During the
crisis the EPP proved itself as the
party of responsible government.
While others talked, we acted.
Our policies stemmed the crisis.
The spend-now-and-pay-later
policies of our competitors caused
the crisis in the first place, and
increase the risk of another crisis
down the line.
We want people to live in a safe
and stable world, in freedom and
with dignity. To achieve this, we
have to make the right choices
now, and renew our sense of
solidarity. We want all Europeans
to take pride in where we have
come from, and where we are
going. Europe has risen from the
ashes many times before, and will
do so again.
04 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
CREATING
A BETTER
EUROPE
FOR ALL
CITIZENS
Proposal
01
OUR COMMITMENT
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP supports a European
Union that tackles the big
issues together, leaving
the smaller issues to the
capable responsibility
of individual countries.
EPP believes in building
a more open, more
responsive, more
democratic Europe.
EPP MANIFESTO / 22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS I
The people of the European Union
value individual freedoms, and
democratic rights. Europeans need
to work together to build on these
shared values. We already travel,
work, buy and sell across borders.
We believe working together
strengthens us.
Those political parties that call for
separation and division will weaken
their countries, economies, and
relations with others. We can only
tackle many challenges together
and not in isolation. Either we
become stronger together, or
weaker apart. However, we do not
want a centralised Europe that
deals with every detail of people’s
lives.
We want Europe to be bigger on
big things and smaller on small
things. We want to focus on what
really needs to be done better,
together. The European Union as a
community of values must defend
our common values and interests
in the world, whilst respecting the
diversity and different traditions
of Member States.
05
06 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
FROM
REFORM
TO GROWTH
Proposal
02
OUR COMMITMENT
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP will create conditions
that favour small and
medium-sized businesses,
family firms, start-ups
and entrepreneurs,
including R&D funding,
private investment, and
more accessible lending.
EPP invests in education,
research and technology,
leading to innovation,
new ideas, a competitive
economy rooted in
knowledge and new
digital services.
EPP MANIFESTO / 22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS I
Our combined strength is in the
more than 500 million people who
make up the largest economy
in the world – our EU. Our potential
to be a global leader in new industries is vast. To remain a strong and
competitive player globally, create
jobs and ensure continued wealth,
reforms are necessary. Sustainable
and targeted investment is the key.
Creating the right conditions
for new and sustainable growth
and jobs is our primary political
objective for the next five years.
We need structural reforms, so that
Europe attracts the private investment that creates growth and jobs.
Socialist parties choose the wrong
approach to economic reforms.
They believe growth comes
from irresponsible spending,
or redistributing other people’s
money. Our policies create healthy
economic structures which attract
private investment, create growth
and jobs.
07
08 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
BUILDING
A SOCIAL
MARKET
ECONOMY
TO COMBINE
FREEDOM
AND
SOLIDARITY
Proposal
03
OUR COMMITMENT
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP will balance the
principles of freedom
and solidarity.
EPP will champion
an EU energy market,
and invest in low carbon
technologies.
EPP MANIFESTO / 22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS I
The cornerstone of EPP policy
is the idea of the Social Market
Economy. This precept aims to
balance the principles of freedom
and solidarity. We understand that
the advantages of a free market
must serve the common good,
so that social cohesion is achieved.
Simply put, the economy should
serve the people, and not the
other way around!
We strive for sustainable
growth based on a competitive
and innovative economy, while
respecting the environment. We
are determined to combat climate
change through more efficient
use of energy and investment in
renewable energy while preserving
Europe’s industrial base through
affordable energy prices. It is
our responsibility to leave our
world safer and cleaner for future
generations, and it stimulates
innovation and a need for skills
in these sectors.
09
10 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
MOVEMENT
OF
EUROPEANS
WITHIN
EUROPE
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP sees mobility as an
absolute right that benefits people, businesses
and the economy:
Freeing our citizens
to work at home and
abroad.
Proposal
04
Free movement of people within
the European Union is one of our
greatest achievements together,
and we are committed to ensuring
it remains so. Why? So that any
European can travel, work, and
live in any other country in the EU,
while retaining the same rights as
in their own country.
Pan-European movement of
qualified people helps businesses
to recruit those they seek, and in
some countries is the only solution
to skills and labour shortages.
However, we are against social
fraud - social benefits for EU
citizens should only be available
if they have worked in the country
where they live.
EPP MANIFESTO / 22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS I
CONTROLLING
IMMIGRATION
INTO EUROPE
TO ENSURE
INTERNAL
SECURITY
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP demands greater
cooperation between
EU countries on border
management, to show
solidarity with countries
that are on the front line
of migration flows.
11
Proposal
05
While having abolished internal
borders, Schengen states have also
tightened controls at their common
external borders to protect the
security of those living and travelling within the Union. EU Member
States need to cooperate closely
on border management to ensure
internal security is maintained.
Our common border agency
Frontex must be reinforced.
The EU must effectively cooperate with third countries’ border
security authorities to prevent
crime from migrating too. At the
same time, victims of political and
religious persecution need genuine
protection. Integration policies for
migrants have to be developed
and strengthened. Integration is a
two-way street which involves both
rights and responsibilities.
12 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
FIGHTING
ORGANISED
CRIME
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP will lead the fight
against terrorism and
crime.
Proposal
06
The fight against organised crime,
especially corruption and money
laundering, is a top priority for us.
Organised crime undermines
the rule of law, fundamental rights,
good governance and deprives
governments of important
revenues.
We believe that transparent politics
is vital for the future of democracy.
We are committed to improving
transparency and strengthening
the rule of law.
EPP MANIFESTO / 22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS I
ENSURING
DATA
PROTECTION
AS A HUMAN
RIGHT
13
Proposal
07
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP vows to reinforce
citizens’ privacy rights,
protecting personal
data.
We believe that privacy is a
fundamental, inalienable human
right. It was the EPP that drove
the reform of data protection rules.
These rules reinforce privacy
for citizens as well as increase
consumer trust online.
This also helps to establish a Single
Market in digital services, which
is central to the creation of new
digital jobs.
14 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
PROMOTING
PEACE AND
STABILITY
IN A
GLOBALISED
WORLD
Proposal
08
Europe has, more than any other
continent, shaped the world in
which we live. But in the past
decades, other players and power
centres around the world have
emerged. Nation states acting
alone will not be capable to defend
our values and interests.
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP will boost Europe’s
Foreign, Security and
Defence capacities –
enhancing its ability
to act in the world.
In a time of increasing global
concerns such as international
terrorism, weapons proliferation,
failed states, climate change,
natural disasters and mass
migration, the EU must reaffirm
its values in the eyes of the world
and do everything in its power
to defend and promote them.
Therefore, the EU must strengthen
and increase the efficiency of its
foreign policy. We gain strength
through united action.
EPP MANIFESTO / 22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS I
BEING MORE
PRUDENT
ABOUT EU
ENLARGEMENT
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP favours judicious
enlargement, while
retaining the identity
of the EU, and taking the
EU’s capacity to integrate
into consideration.
15
Proposal
09
The enlargement of the European
Union is one of its success stories,
because we can share the benefits
of freedom, democracy, peace,
stability and the rule of law
throughout our continent.
For the future, though, it has
to be clear that in order to become
a member of the European Union
not only the fulfillment of political
and economic criteria must be
safeguarded but the EU’s capacity
to act must remain intact.
16 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
SPREADING
DEMOCRACY
AND THE RULE
OF LAW
IN OUR
IMMEDIATE
NEIGHBOURHOOD
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP will work to
create a prosperous,
democratic and stable
neighbourhood.
Proposal
10
Our immediate neighbourhood
is a source of new opportunities,
as well as challenges and potential
threats. A much longer-term
approach must be developed
for the relations with our eastern
neighbours. The EU must remain
committed to supporting fragile
democracies in Eastern Europe.
For the Southern Mediterranean
countries, the EU should develop a
vision and propose new strategies.
Only the promise of shared
prosperity can gain support of
the wider public in the region.
EPP MANIFESTO / 22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS I
BUILDING
A TRUSTFUL
TRANSATLANTIC
PARTNERSHIP
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP welcomes the trade
negotiations with the US,
as long as the agreement
protects Europe’s high
standards, and that
important elements of
our European identity
are safeguarded.
17
Proposal
11
The EU must maintain and develop
a strong transatlantic partnership,
combining a free and fair market
built on common values and
mutual trust. Together, the EU
and the US can take the lead in
developing strategies to address
global threats and challenges.
A transatlantic free market will
contribute to trade revenues and
increased growth, creating more
jobs and prosperity for European
citizens.
18 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
MAKING OUR
DEVELOPMENT
POLICY MORE
EFFECTIVE
Proposal
12
OUR COMMITMENT
EPP wants a development
policy that is effective,
accountable, aimed
at reducing poverty,
and is based on the
principles of the Social
Market Economy.
The EU should reform its
development policy to improve
effectiveness, accountability and
sustainability. This revised policy
must be based on the principles
of the Social Market Economy.
Human rights, the fight against
poverty, and providing education
must be central factors in our
development policy.
EPP MANIFESTO / 22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS I
ALL OUR
COMMITMENTS
19
20 I EPP MANIFESTO /
22-25 MAY 2014 ELECTIONS
ALL OUR
COMMITMENTS
CREATING A BETTER
EUROPE FOR ALL CITIZENS
•EPP supports a European Union
that tackles the big issues together,
leaving the smaller issues to the
capable responsibility of individual
countries.
EPP believes in building a more
open, more responsive, more
democratic Europe.
•
FROM REFORM TO GROWTH
•EPP will create conditions that
favour small and medium-sized
businesses, family firms, start-ups
and entrepreneurs, including
R&D funding, private investment,
and more accessible lending.
EPP invests in education, research
and technology, leading to innovation, new ideas, a competitive
economy rooted in knowledge
and new digital services.
•
WHERE DO WE COME
FROM, AND WHERE ARE
WE GOING?
•EPP believes that the euro is
a reliable currency that assures
political stability and makes us
more competitive internationally.
EPP will reform financial markets
so that all banks in the EU follow
the same rules, and, globally,
will seek a better regulatory
framework for financial markets.
•
BUILDING A SOCIAL
MARKET ECONOMY
TO COMBINE FREEDOM
AND SOLIDARITY
•EPP will balance the principles
of freedom and solidarity.
•EPP will champion an EU energy
market, and invest in low carbon
technologies.
MOVEMENT OF EUROPEANS
WITHIN EUROPE
•EPP sees mobility as an absolute
right that benefits people,
businesses and the economy:
Freeing our citizens to work
at home and abroad.
CONTROLLING
IMMIGRATION INTO
EUROPE TO ENSURE
INTERNAL SECURITY
•EPP demands greater cooperation
between EU countries on border
management, to show solidarity
with countries that are on the
front line of migration flows.
FIGHTING ORGANISED
CRIME
•EPP will lead the fight against
terrorism and crime.
ENSURING DATA PROTECTION AS A HUMAN RIGHT
•EPP vows to reinforce citizens’
privacy rights, protecting
personal data.
PROMOTING PEACE
AND STABILITY IN A
GLOBALISED WORLD
•EPP will boost Europe’s Foreign,
Security and Defence capacities –
enhancing its ability to act in the
world.
BEING MORE PRUDENT
ABOUT EU ENLARGEMENT
•EPP favours judicious
enlargement, while retaining
the identity of the EU, and taking
the EU’s capacity to integrate
into consideration.
SPREADING DEMOCRACY
AND THE RULE OF LAW
IN OUR IMMEDIATE
NEIGHBOURHOOD
•EPP will work to create a
prosperous, democratic and
stable neighbourhood.
BUILDING A TRUSTFUL
TRANSATLANTIC
PARTNERSHIP
•EPP welcomes the trade negotia-
tions with the US, as long as the
agreement protects Europe’s high
standards, and that important
elements of our European identity
are safeguarded.
MAKING OUR
DEVELOPMENT POLICY
MORE EFFECTIVE
•EPP wants a development policy
that is effective, accountable,
aimed at reducing poverty, and
is based on the principles of the
Social Market Economy.
Produced with the financial support of the European Parliament.
Editors : C. Kremer, K. Sasmatzoglou - EPP: Rue du Commerce 10, Brussels, B-1000.
visit juncker.epp.eu
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